 This week was short and so is this reflection. I have to give an IGNITE Sunday and that is where my energy and brain power is currently going to.
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Considering the featured image of this blog post, you can assume that I didn't refuse this once in a lifetime opportunity! I quickly agreed to take the jump and present at the summit in front of +450 educators!
Don't get me wrong; I have asked myself quite a few times... "What have I gotten myself into?" I am knee deep in practicum readings, plannings and marking... But, so far, the experience has been so exciting. I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been asked to present this year along with so many inspiring educators (A big shoutout to Jen Giffen!). In my tweet below, I mention how it has been on my Bucket List to present at a conference:
Don't get me wrong; I have asked myself quite a few times... "What have I gotten myself into?" I am knee deep in practicum readings, plannings and marking... But, so far, the experience has been so exciting. I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been asked to present this year along with so many inspiring educators (A big shoutout to Jen Giffen!). In my tweet below, I mention how it has been on my Bucket List to present at a conference:
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However, I will admit, I didn't think it would be happening this soon!!
Lastly, you might be wondering what my talk is going to be about? Well, it will go something like this: Learning to jump and build your wings on the way down is a lifestyle I have embraced throughout my journey through Teachers College, thanks to one of my mentors. As a Teacher Candidate, I have learnt that putting yourself out there, saying YES, taking risks and trying new things are so rewarding! Hoping I will inspire you to take a jump with me. |
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This morning, I was lucky enough to score an interview with Stephen Hurley and Kim Pollishuke on VoicEd Radio! We spoke about our perspectives on education and how we are preparing for the Summit Ignite event! Check it out bellow ⬇️⬇️
For more information, (speakers, location, and ticket info) be sure to visit: events.edtechteam.com/Ontario2018
Woohoo! Happy National skip day everyone… For us Ontario educators, it is the Friday before March Break which means a lot of us are headed on vacation. But not me. I, student teacher of 3 English classes will be spending my March Break at coffee shops, at my desk and at the library; essentially unit planning, lesson planning, reading and marking. I can’t even explain the length and degree of my to do list… But all that aside, let’s talk about my week!
DID I SUCCEED MY GOALS FROM LAST WEEK?
Did I succeed in making learning more fun?
I think I did! I showed an incredible movie called Mississippi Burning. This wasn’t necesarrily fun but it definitely allowed my students to understand the time period of 1960’s in the Southern USA during the Civil Rights movement. I also created some differentiated assignments for this movie which I would definitely consider fun, but my students would probably tell you otherwise.
Est-ce que j’ai réussi à être plus sociale?
Malheureusement, j’ai passé 3/5 dîners dans mon local (soit à surveiller des évaluations où à préparer mes leçons). Par contre, j’ai eu quelques bonnes conversations avec des enseignants dans la salle de photocopies. Après le congé de mars, je dois continuer à faire des efforts à discuter, réseauter et avec plus de discussions avec les enseignants de mon école.
Est-ce que mon dialogue interne a été plus positif?
Ici, je pense que j’ai plus ou moins réussi à me donner quelques bonnes tapes sur le dos. Je me sens un peu plus confiante et contente par rapport à mes leçons et mes interactions avec les élèves.
I think I did! I showed an incredible movie called Mississippi Burning. This wasn’t necesarrily fun but it definitely allowed my students to understand the time period of 1960’s in the Southern USA during the Civil Rights movement. I also created some differentiated assignments for this movie which I would definitely consider fun, but my students would probably tell you otherwise.
Est-ce que j’ai réussi à être plus sociale?
Malheureusement, j’ai passé 3/5 dîners dans mon local (soit à surveiller des évaluations où à préparer mes leçons). Par contre, j’ai eu quelques bonnes conversations avec des enseignants dans la salle de photocopies. Après le congé de mars, je dois continuer à faire des efforts à discuter, réseauter et avec plus de discussions avec les enseignants de mon école.
Est-ce que mon dialogue interne a été plus positif?
Ici, je pense que j’ai plus ou moins réussi à me donner quelques bonnes tapes sur le dos. Je me sens un peu plus confiante et contente par rapport à mes leçons et mes interactions avec les élèves.
BEING VULNERABLE
As a Teacher Candidate or even a new teacher, being vulnerable is a daily occurence. You stand up in front of the class, 20+ pairs of eyes looking at you, listening to you as you and run through a lesson, a reading, a learning activity, a discussion, a workshop, etc. This week, I’ve learnt that you are not the know all - tell all, and it will happen that students ask you questions that you may not know the answers to. One thing that I am sure of is that I do not have all the answers to every question. While there were a few instances where I was asked questions about different things throughout the week that I was unsure of, I think I managed well. Instead of getting down on myself, I took this it as a learning opportunity!
M’INVESTIR DANS MES LEÇONS
Quoique, parfois je me sens un peu incompétente, j’investis beaucoup de temps, d’énergie et de passion dans les leçons que je planifie. Que ça soit lors de la préparation de leçon, de Slides, des MySimpleShow, des petits jeux, des activités créatives, etc. Je suis toujours en mode création. Je suis une personne très organisée et méthodologique. Je connais les élèves devant moi et je peux planifier en conséquence. Je maîtrise la leçon, les étapes et la matière. Je suis constamment en train de penser de façon critique à comment je peux ludifier la matière, le rendre le plus intéressant et accessible. De plus, je considère aussi quelles mesures proactives je devrai prendre pour le moment “au cas où…”. Souvent, ces leçons sont divertissantes et différenciées. Je suis fière de moi-même et je m’améliore leçon après leçon.
HOW PODCASTING HELPED ME TO BE A TEACHER
Lately, I have been reflecting on how my podcasting life has benefited me as a teacher. Here are a few ideas I have come up with:
Also, I am excited to say that the final unit evaluation I will be giving for my EAE2P English class will be a podcast episode reviewing and critiquing certain elements of the novel. This assignment is inspired by Alexandre Audet’s project he did in his English class with his grade 8 class!
- Firstly, podcasting has allowed me to develop my listening ear. This means that when students provide answers, ask questions or simply during conversations and discussions, I feel more prepared because of my abilities to listen to the information their giving me or asking me and gearing my answer to it. In podcasting, as the host you have to be a listener. That means, taking what your Guest is talking about and building on it, taking it one step further, etc.
- Secondly, podcasting has got me ready for unplanned questions that I may not have prepared for. Being a guest on a podcast, whether it has been OnEdMentors or being on certain shows like The EdPodcast, The Planning Period Podcast, Beyond the Staffroom, Personal Playlist Podcast, you are often put on the spot and have to think quick on your feet. Luckily, thanks to podcasting I have been able to bring that skill into my classroom.
- Lastly, I believe that my overall speaking abilities have largely improved since I have started being involved in podcasting!
Also, I am excited to say that the final unit evaluation I will be giving for my EAE2P English class will be a podcast episode reviewing and critiquing certain elements of the novel. This assignment is inspired by Alexandre Audet’s project he did in his English class with his grade 8 class!
Me voici. Semaine trois de neuf. Encore en train de donner un seul cours avec un très beau groupe d’élève. Par contre, la pile de correction monte. J’ai un roman à lire cette fin de semaine et deux unités à préparer. Enseignante de langue? Ouf. Au moins mes élèves viennent en classe prêts à apprendre et à partager de bonnes idées!
Pourtant, je suis encore à la recherche de mon identité en tant qu’enseignante du secondaire. Je suis encore en train de trouver un rythme naturel de travail. Je suis encore en train de me questionner par rapport à mes interactions et mes leçons. Je suis encore en mode découverte.
Pourtant, je suis encore à la recherche de mon identité en tant qu’enseignante du secondaire. Je suis encore en train de trouver un rythme naturel de travail. Je suis encore en train de me questionner par rapport à mes interactions et mes leçons. Je suis encore en mode découverte.
I realize I smile less as a high school teacher - why is that? Is it lack of confidence, am I underestimating my potential and what I can offer the students, is it because of higher stake learning, am I overall just more serious, is it because I am dealing with older students and having a difficulty connecting with them, or am I simply OVERTHINKING this - probably….
Don’t get my wrong - I am still optimistic and cheerful, however, I don’t know if the students truly understand the happy go lucky smiling Mme Lalonde that I am deep down inside. When teaching, I am often so focused on the getting through the content that there is no time for fun necessarily. I don’t like that. I want to change that. Next week, I want more FUN learning.
GETTING CAUGHT IN A SILO
I never thought that I would say this, but getting caught up in a SILO is a lot easier than I thought. Doing this week reflection, I realized that I spent every lunch period in my room working and had very minimal interactions with the staff of the school. I know the importance of connecting with others in and around the school, however, it is a vicious cycle of: you have tons of work, you try and get as much done on your spare time to not bring it home with you but you end up isolating yourself because of it. Naturally, I am a social butterfly, I love interacting and chatting with staff and students. That is what energizes me and ignites my fire. And, as much as I am social online, I feel disconnected from the staff in my own school. I want to change that. Next week, I want to CONNECT more with the students and staff of my school.
le DIALOGUE INTERNE
Le dialogue interne est tellement important. J’ai eu une conversation avec quelques personnes à ce sujet cette semaine. Premièrement, je vais avouer que je suis mon plus sévère critique et je dois arrêter d’être trop dure envers moi-même parce que le dialogue interne peut tout changer ma perspective de moi-même, mes leçons et mes capacités. Il faut se dire de belles choses. Il faut se dire que faire des erreurs c’est humain et que ces erreurs aident à ton apprentissage. Donc, je veux changer cela. La semaine prochaine, je veux me motiver en me disant des mots d’encouragements et me féliciter pour les bons coups.
Un autre de mes mentors a mentionné “qu'on grandit selon ce que l'on planifie... keeping a growth journal is key in growing in the right direction…” Cela étant dit, je voulais faire la liste de 3 succès dans ta semaine, 3 nouveaux apprentissages pour toi en tant qu’enseignantes et 3 objectifs pour la semaine prochaine. Les derniers “3 objectifs pour la semaine prochaine” sont déjà en gras ci-haut par rapport à chaque paragraphe.
Mes 3 succès dans ma semaine ont été:
Mes 3 nouveaux apprentissages ont été:
Mes 3 succès dans ma semaine ont été:
- J’ai eu une belle interaction avec une élève dans les corridors
- J’ai créé une revue pour une évaluation qui a été engageante et stimulante
- J’ai administré une évaluation dans laquelle je pense que les élèves ont été bien préparés
Mes 3 nouveaux apprentissages ont été:
- Il faut constamment faire des rappels, des rappels et plus de rappels pour nos élèves.
- Il faut véritablement rendre le travail authentique pour que l’élève sente comme il a de la valeur et qu’il vaut la peine.
- Il faut parfois donner la chance à l’élève de travailler avant d'intervenir, car ils peuvent te surprendre.
I’VE FOUND MY ARCH NEMESIS
Developing rubric may be my arch nemesis. I know where I need to grow and learn the most and it is understanding and mastering rubrics. This is something I believe lacked extremely in my degree because in two years I have only ever created 1 rubric. This is very difficult for me as a new teacher and I thank my AT for having taken soooo much time with me this week to help me wrap my head around it.
mr. d is so relatable
Although I have been a little overwhelmed with lesson planning, unit planning and re-learning loads of things, I have tried to give my brain a beak. Of course, this break still had to do with EDU because lately I have been watching the CBC show Mr. D. Not only is it relatable because it's Canadian but overall, they did a really great job at showing what a true life of a teacher is like. I definitely relate most to Ms. Mason.
I went through a roller coaster of emotions this week. I felt lost. I felt proud. I felt underprepared. I felt defeated. I felt insufficient. I felt accomplished. I felt overwhelmed. Mais, ultimement je pense que j’étais à la recherche de mon identité… Has anyone found it? I think I lost it somewhere?
I lived a lot of self doubt this week, in relations to my efficiency of being a teacher. And, that confidence I had last week faded. Why you ask? I’m not exactly sure because nothing went terrible, I just simply felt as though I was trying to stay afloat and survive my 3 periods each day. However, I look forward to finding more of a rhythm, where I can have a system, keep things in order and flow from class to class.
I lived a lot of self doubt this week, in relations to my efficiency of being a teacher. And, that confidence I had last week faded. Why you ask? I’m not exactly sure because nothing went terrible, I just simply felt as though I was trying to stay afloat and survive my 3 periods each day. However, I look forward to finding more of a rhythm, where I can have a system, keep things in order and flow from class to class.
PUTting ME TO THE TEST...
The first week of teaching really showed me that the students will test you no matter if you are a student teacher, a new teacher starting out or even a teacher they have never met/seen before.. This can happen with any class at any age. That being said, I was often tested this week, which made me question some of my teaching values, beliefs, strategies and philosophies. Some questions I have been pondering are: What kind of teacher do I want to be? How do I want to be perceived by the students?
shh, listen... YOUR BODY IS TELLING YOU SOMETHING
I would never have guessed how much my body would indicate how I was feeling. I noticed by Thursday that my shoulders were up to my ears. And last week, even though it was only 3 days, my legs were finished. All of the stresses of teaching truly affects your body. And Wednesday, for the first time in forever, I needed and wanted to go for a run to let out the emotions and energy inside of me from the day. I think the lesson here is the importance to take time out of the day to listen to your body. And, understand that some days you’re going to need a run, others a nap and others... well...
supportive staff
The best thing about going into your old high school is the conversations you get the have with old teachers. I have gotten the chance to be mentored, guided and supported, not only by my associate teachers but also by some other teachers in and around the school. Whether it was for future school board choices, whether giving a pop quiz is a good idea or not, or even how to deal with students who might decide to disrespect you... I have had some insightful conversations with multiple teachers who have given me some great tips and advice along with expressing their excitement to soon having me in the profession.
I even received a heartwarming and supportive message from a teacher that I had worked with during a paid position. Unexpectedly, this teacher reached out, wished me well and offered her support if I ever had any questions. This made me extremely happy and showed me that creating relationships with staff members is just as important as those with students. I admire that teacher for everything she does in the classroom. She has no idea how much a simple message affected me so greatly.
I even received a heartwarming and supportive message from a teacher that I had worked with during a paid position. Unexpectedly, this teacher reached out, wished me well and offered her support if I ever had any questions. This made me extremely happy and showed me that creating relationships with staff members is just as important as those with students. I admire that teacher for everything she does in the classroom. She has no idea how much a simple message affected me so greatly.
some good advice...
Speaking of supportive staff, during an on call supply - I was accompanied by a teacher I know fairly well. We spent the period together and afterwards got to chatting (as teachers usually do I've noticed). And, as expressing how overwhelming teaching can be at first she simply said:
"just be the best that you can be"
She continued to explain that she found it difficult in her first years of teaching and quickly realized that "you can’t do it all, so just do what you can..". This advice is going to stick with me. And, when I am feeling flustered or defeated I will recall those 8 simple words.
All this being said, I am feeling confident for next week! I am optimistic to regain my confidence, continue to learn about and from students as well as vary my teaching styles to test out new things!
All this being said, I am feeling confident for next week! I am optimistic to regain my confidence, continue to learn about and from students as well as vary my teaching styles to test out new things!
I am so proud to be writing this blog as Madame Lalonde…
I want to start by saying that for the next 9 weeks I will be publishing, either a blog post or a podcast that reveals my reflections towards my placement. I am writing this so that I am held accountable!! This is not an assignment for Teacher's college - it is strictly for my own personal growth and professional development!
I am doing these reflection posts for a couple reasons:
I want to start by saying that for the next 9 weeks I will be publishing, either a blog post or a podcast that reveals my reflections towards my placement. I am writing this so that I am held accountable!! This is not an assignment for Teacher's college - it is strictly for my own personal growth and professional development!
I am doing these reflection posts for a couple reasons:
- I want to take the time to think about my practice and how I can improve...
- I also want to have some written / recorded evidence to measure my growth and my thought process (also to be able to return in a few years and look back on my last practicum experience)
This blog post and the upcoming ones will be divided into 2-3 themes that have emerged during the week in my reflection notes. Every day, I take the time to note my observations, thoughts and critics. At the end of the week, I will be publishing a summary of those thoughts.
De plus, ces réflexions seront parfois en anglais et parfois en français. Puisque je vis une dualité linguistique très extrême (j’étudie en français, je fais partie d’une Faculté francophone, j’enseigne dans une école francophone - mais j’enseigne English et beaucoup de mon RAP est anglophone, je veux que ces billets de blogues puissent être appréciés par tous). C’est la richesse de ma réalité et je crois que ça reflète bien ce que je vis tous les jours.
That being said, on Wednesday February 14th (Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday) I started my first day of my second placement at École secondaire catholique La Citadelle in Cornwall, Ontario… my old high school. And, well… aside from the flashbacks and some weird looks from some of my old teachers, it went really well!
I have to admit though: what a change of pace. Teaching 3 classes is not going to be easy.
And, compared to my University routine I was deadbeat by Friday first period. It was impossible to hold back the yawns even with my double shot Americano from Starbucks in hand.
De plus, ces réflexions seront parfois en anglais et parfois en français. Puisque je vis une dualité linguistique très extrême (j’étudie en français, je fais partie d’une Faculté francophone, j’enseigne dans une école francophone - mais j’enseigne English et beaucoup de mon RAP est anglophone, je veux que ces billets de blogues puissent être appréciés par tous). C’est la richesse de ma réalité et je crois que ça reflète bien ce que je vis tous les jours.
That being said, on Wednesday February 14th (Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday) I started my first day of my second placement at École secondaire catholique La Citadelle in Cornwall, Ontario… my old high school. And, well… aside from the flashbacks and some weird looks from some of my old teachers, it went really well!
I have to admit though: what a change of pace. Teaching 3 classes is not going to be easy.
And, compared to my University routine I was deadbeat by Friday first period. It was impossible to hold back the yawns even with my double shot Americano from Starbucks in hand.
Talking about change of pace. I need to mention the drastic change there is between being in an elementary school vs. a high school. It is a whole new world. I felt a little lost not having students line up in a straight line, proudly sing the O Canada, give stickers, come up and give hugs or ask you to open their water bottle. This is going to be a big leap and a big transition for me. I can already feel it… I am anxious to see how I am going to grow into my roll as a high school teacher.
Let’s get to the first order of business:
Let’s get to the first order of business:
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Even three days into my placement I know that one of my biggest challenges and goals is going to be to creating relationships with my students. Before I even started, I knew that these interpersonal relationships were going to be key to my success as a student teacher. I wanted to reach out to my students, as of my first day, in order to let them into my life. That being said, I created a fun Kahoot that allowed students to interact with me, figure out who I am, not only as a teacher but as a human being as well. I also gave them a Google Forms (Learner Profile) where I invited them to answer some questions about themselves. I am teaching a Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12 English class. I have a wide range of students sitting in front of me, going through different things, with different goals and different interests. This Google Forms was such a good idea. I got some really great feedback and responses from them. I believe it was a great ice breaker…
Précédemment, j’ai mentionné l’écart entre l’école élémentaire et l’école secondaire. L’idée de créer des relations, d’après moi, est beaucoup plus facile à l’élémentaire. À mon avis, tu peux plus facilement être leur modèle et idole. Au secondaire, cette relation doit se construire plus lentement et tu dois gagner leur respect à travers de tes paroles et tes actions.
Précédemment, j’ai mentionné l’écart entre l’école élémentaire et l’école secondaire. L’idée de créer des relations, d’après moi, est beaucoup plus facile à l’élémentaire. À mon avis, tu peux plus facilement être leur modèle et idole. Au secondaire, cette relation doit se construire plus lentement et tu dois gagner leur respect à travers de tes paroles et tes actions.
CONFIDENCE
I am proud to say that I am feeling confident. At first, I was scared to feel intimidated by the students. (Considering I am only 5”4) A lot of these students stand much taller than me. Not only that, I was nervous as to how the students would react to having a student teacher in their class. All butterflies aside, these past three days were great and I am looking forward to starting a new week!
Par contre, il y a quelques fois que tu entends les élèves chuchoter entre eux: “C’est la nouvelle enseignante”. I just smile as I walk by, simply looking to make a good impression.
Par contre, il y a quelques fois que tu entends les élèves chuchoter entre eux: “C’est la nouvelle enseignante”. I just smile as I walk by, simply looking to make a good impression.
CELL PHONE USAGE
La bataille des cellulaires. Oh la la… C’est n’est pas aussi évident que je pensais que ça allait être. Il y a beaucoup de chemin à faire avec les élèves afin qu’ils puissent bien maîtriser l’utilisation de leur cellulaire et la citoyenneté numérique. Il faut utiliser cet appareil en tant qu’outil et non en tant qu’arme.
A huge piece of this is having them learn to resist their urge to constantly be checking their phone. Living in the present and being attentive in class is key. I am all about being connected, but there is a time and place. I am such a strong believer in embracing these devices, it will simply be an adjustment period to see what works best with my students.
A huge piece of this is having them learn to resist their urge to constantly be checking their phone. Living in the present and being attentive in class is key. I am all about being connected, but there is a time and place. I am such a strong believer in embracing these devices, it will simply be an adjustment period to see what works best with my students.
LOOKING FORWARD
The cell phone situation is going to be tougher than I thought. Je ne veux pas être la police qui circule pour dire de ne pas avoir ton cellulaire. Je veux trouver un moyen pour que les élèves ne sentent pas le vouloir ou la nécessité de le vérifier lorsque j’enseigne OÙ l’utiliser en tant qu’outil pédagogique lorsque j’enseigne!
I want to continue to be confident, believe in myself, ask questions, take risks and build relationships with students.
I want to continue to be confident, believe in myself, ask questions, take risks and build relationships with students.
LASTLY….
I cannot be more grateful for my two Associate Teachers who have been more than outstanding. Not only did they meet up with me before my first day to go over everything, but I was also given my own desk in the back of the class…
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Words cannot describe how happy this made me. This space to call my own is more than I could have asked for. My AT’s classroom quickly became OUR classroom which ultimately made me feel so much more welcomed and comfortable.
We have already started working together to co-plan lessons, shared resources and suggestions concerning classroom management. They are so open to my suggestions and observation, it is extremely rewarding to have a voice but also learn from such dynamic and innovative English teachers. They ask me what I am comfortable doing and are willing to give me the space and the necessary coaching to succeed.
We have already started working together to co-plan lessons, shared resources and suggestions concerning classroom management. They are so open to my suggestions and observation, it is extremely rewarding to have a voice but also learn from such dynamic and innovative English teachers. They ask me what I am comfortable doing and are willing to give me the space and the necessary coaching to succeed.
Recently, as I have been going through the process of attending recruitment presentations from school boards, revamping my CV, writing cover letters, filling in applications, going through interviews, I have been reflecting on this really crucial and transformative period. The transition from Student (teacher) to Teacher approaches day by day and I’ve come to realize that I am growing up. I can feel it.
Growing up is a strange concept to me. Oddly enough, it has always been something I looked forward to. I have always looked up to people older than me and I continue to do so, whether it be my mentors, my university professors, my family members, experienced educators, etc. But as I continue to look up to those people, I also notice that I am becoming more wise and have more to offer back.
Lately, as I approach the end of my B.Ed, I can’t seem to grasp the fact that I will FINALLY be a certified teacher. I, Sarah Anne Lalonde, will be the teacher I have always dreamt of being. The responsibilities I will be undertaking and lives I will be changing is something that I think about often. It has become pretty overwhelming actually… and a little surreal.
Following your dreams is something I’ve always promoted. Dreaming big is something I believe everyone should do. Behind every dreamer there’s a doer. I’ve reached some of my goals and dreams, but becoming a teacher has always been right up there at the top. Being only a few months away from accomplishing that dream gives me butterflies because it feels like yesterday that I was only a little girl with a dream. Now, with lots of hard work, dedication, patience, grit and perseverance I have almost attained it.
When you think about it, growing up means so much.
o Masters in Education
o Getting my ABQ’s
o Teaching for (??) # of years
o Google Certified Trainer
o Principal’s Course
o Administrator
All in all, with time, I get to continue to learn new things, meet new people, explore different places, get inspired and inspire others, follow my passion and find new ones. I cannot wait to share my gained expertise and experience with those around me as other have shared with me along the way. As I mentioned, my plans may change, obstacles may arise, but my passion for education will last forever. I can’t predict where I will be in 5, 10, 20 years, but I will continue to aim high and reach for the stars with my goals. I look forward to looking back on this blog post in a few years from now.
I’ve realized that, as much as you may want and try, you can’t stop time and you can't stop from growing up. This is inevitable therefor, you have to make the absolute best of the time you’re given on earth.
I encourage you to think about where you wanted to be while finishing Teacher’s College and where you are now. Have plans changed? What do your future goals look like? How do you plan on reaching them? I'd love to know! Comment below ⬇️⬇️
Cheers,
Sarah
Growing up is a strange concept to me. Oddly enough, it has always been something I looked forward to. I have always looked up to people older than me and I continue to do so, whether it be my mentors, my university professors, my family members, experienced educators, etc. But as I continue to look up to those people, I also notice that I am becoming more wise and have more to offer back.
Lately, as I approach the end of my B.Ed, I can’t seem to grasp the fact that I will FINALLY be a certified teacher. I, Sarah Anne Lalonde, will be the teacher I have always dreamt of being. The responsibilities I will be undertaking and lives I will be changing is something that I think about often. It has become pretty overwhelming actually… and a little surreal.
Following your dreams is something I’ve always promoted. Dreaming big is something I believe everyone should do. Behind every dreamer there’s a doer. I’ve reached some of my goals and dreams, but becoming a teacher has always been right up there at the top. Being only a few months away from accomplishing that dream gives me butterflies because it feels like yesterday that I was only a little girl with a dream. Now, with lots of hard work, dedication, patience, grit and perseverance I have almost attained it.
When you think about it, growing up means so much.
- It means a major role change in my life... I will have spent 20 years as a student. I’ve watched teachers all of my student life. Some I liked more than others, but they’ve all taught me something along the way. I look forward to transitioning from student to teacher. But, as much as I will be transitioning from the learner to the teacher, I will still be constantly learning with me students.
- Growing up as a woman, I want to continue to be a leader and role model for girls. I crave to show them that good things come when you believe in yourself, your dreams and a little hard work. My role as an educator will allow me to have an impact on their confidence, their passions, their intelligence, their future, their self-worth, and of course, their learning. I will show them that they are beautiful, powerful and capable
- Finally, growing up means I need to continue pursuing more goals and dreams. I’ve spent lots of time searching for what my realistic long term goal are and I have finally figured them out. (I am aware and open to all of the changes, obstacles and growth that awaits me and knowing that these goals may transform is exciting!) But for now, at the age of 23, here they are:
o Masters in Education
o Getting my ABQ’s
o Teaching for (??) # of years
o Google Certified Trainer
o Principal’s Course
o Administrator
All in all, with time, I get to continue to learn new things, meet new people, explore different places, get inspired and inspire others, follow my passion and find new ones. I cannot wait to share my gained expertise and experience with those around me as other have shared with me along the way. As I mentioned, my plans may change, obstacles may arise, but my passion for education will last forever. I can’t predict where I will be in 5, 10, 20 years, but I will continue to aim high and reach for the stars with my goals. I look forward to looking back on this blog post in a few years from now.
I’ve realized that, as much as you may want and try, you can’t stop time and you can't stop from growing up. This is inevitable therefor, you have to make the absolute best of the time you’re given on earth.
I encourage you to think about where you wanted to be while finishing Teacher’s College and where you are now. Have plans changed? What do your future goals look like? How do you plan on reaching them? I'd love to know! Comment below ⬇️⬇️
Cheers,
Sarah
As we embark on our journey into 2018, I thought it would be the most opportune moment to sit down, write and reflect on where I’d like to be, how I’d like to feel, and what I’d like to be doing more of this year.
I have to admit, I am jumping into 2018 with 2 feet; excited, energized and inspired. I love this time of year, everyone is feeling fresh, rejuvenated, optimistic and for the most part motivated! It is truly contagious.
This holiday season, I received Lagom (Not too little, not too much) - The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life. Now, I am not saying that I am about to write a blog post on how I plan to change my entire lifestyle because, well…. That’s just not my style. And, to be honest, New Year's Resolutions aren't really my style either.
I have always believed that New Year’s Resolutions were always a little tacky and that everyone basically forgets about them come March / April… Actually, a U.S News blog published in 2015 states that by “the second week of February, some 80 percent of those resolution-ers are back home with a new kind of remorse staring back at them in the mirror – the remorse of disappointment.” It’s not that I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, rather I believe that you can set goals and intentions at any time. This natural break in time by starting a new year is a great, but it also just becomes a fad and a lot less genuine. So, let’s try and turn the page into 2018 with real and attainable goals and intentions that matter.
Like I was saying… After reading this fun, illustrates and appealing to the eye guide of about 270 pages, I found so many little lifestyle modifications that really spoke to me: Lagom in my personal life, Lagom in my relationships and Lagom in my community. I could re-utter the entire guide, but instead I will mention the habits that I will be bringing into 2018 with me; along with other non related Lagom goals that I have set for myself. Some habits that promote a more simple and minimalist lifestyle, embracing the little things like the rays of sun, a good cup of coffee and so much more!
Goal setting is never an easy thing. This year, I wanted to think small and SMART
- Specific/Simple.
- Measurable.
- Achievable.
- Realistic.
- Timely
I am going to be more connected to those around me. As much as with the people as I want to connect with my inner self.
By connecting with my inner self, I am going to take more time for yoga and mediation. I am going to try connecting mouvement with breathe.
I am going to keep following my passions and dream BIG.
I will start to embrace chaos, let go of the reigns and embrace less structure and control on certain aspects of my life.
As Bob Dylan says: "Chaos is a friend of mine." Well, that is not the case for this organized, structured and methodical gal... As I enter into the unpredictable classrooms with unpredictable students, I want to focus on embracing the chaos that may occur, embracing the uncertainty and finding the calm in that chaos. I will allow it to be an enriching moment instead of an anxious moment.
I will love my body more. I will feed my body and mind with more nourishing foods and thoughts.
In order to practice more self-care I plan to do things such as: read leisurely, sleep in on the weekend, write down a list of things I love and as Lagom suggests, I will embrace the effortless hair, the top knot and the thrown together look.
I will visit DISNEY after finishing my B.Ed.
I cannot wait to land at MCO with my boyfriend to celebrate my graduation.
I am going to LEARN every day &
become rich in knowledge.
In order to learn new things, I will do my best to step out of my comfort zone, ask more questions, take more risks, go on new adventures and try new things. This page from Lagom talks about The Art of Listening. They say to - slow down the discours. Really listen to others and reflect on what they have to say and give a meaningful response.
As schools starts back up and placement begins, I am going be embrace being an early riser.
I currently have a love / hate relationship with being an early riser. As someone who will be getting up early for the rest of my life, I want to have a better relationship with my alarm clock.
I love the feeling of an early morning once I am up and at it, but in the moment, have a difficult time to get my two feet out of bed and onto the cold floor. I want to change my attitude towards waking up before the sun. I look forward to trying the suggestions offered in the book! Stay tuned...
I love the feeling of an early morning once I am up and at it, but in the moment, have a difficult time to get my two feet out of bed and onto the cold floor. I want to change my attitude towards waking up before the sun. I look forward to trying the suggestions offered in the book! Stay tuned...
Well, here’s to jumping into 2018 with a good ‘ol cup of coffee and some special intentions. What do you have planned for 2018? I’d love to know! Share your intentions / goals / resolutions with me in the comments :)
Sarah Anne
Lalonde
Si j'attends pour la perfection, je n'écrierais jamais un mot...
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blogues à ne pas manquer ⬇️
On the First Day of voicEd Radio, I’m Grateful to Sarah Lalonde
A Homegrown Girl Who’s Going the Distance - Sarah Lalonde’s P3
Off the Record - An Interview with Sarah Lalonde
The "Balanced Life" of a Teacher Candidate
